Multifunctional saw apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

In some examples, an apparatus includes a base including an arm selectively movable with respect to the base. The arm is selectively rotatable about a first arm axis. A base plate is engaged with the arm. A tool is configured to be detachably coupled to the base plate. The tool is movable with the base plate when coupled to the base plate. The apparatus includes a first mode with the tool coupled to the base plate and the arm being selectively rotatable about the first arm axis, a second mode with the tool coupled to the base plate and the arm being constrained from rotating about the first arm axis, the arm being substantially stationary with respect to the base; and a third mode with the tool detached from the base plate.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation application claims the benefit of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/965,507, filed on Aug. 13, 2013, which is a continuationU.S. application Ser. No. 13/646,973, filed on Oct. 8, 2012, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/627,607,filed Oct. 15, 2011, and which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present patent application relates to a tool apparatus, and, moreparticularly, to a multifunctional saw apparatus and method.

Tools are a staple for the household handyman and the contractor alike.Power tools, in particular, are popular, due to their ability to make agiven task easier to accomplish than using an unpowered hand tool,whether it be drilling a hole, tightening a screw, sawing a piece ofwood, or the like. One of the most common power tools is the power saw,which comes in various sizes and types, including a radial saw, a mitersaw, a table saw, and a circular saw, to name a few. The radial arm sawis typically used for crosscuts and rips of material. The miter saw istypically used for miter cuts, compound miter cuts, and crosscuts ofmaterial. The table saw is typically used for rips of material. And, thecircular saw is typically used for free-cuts of material. Radial armsaws, miter saws, and table saws are typically larger saws intended forstationary use on a workbench, table top, or stand, whereas circularsaws are typically smaller, hand-held devices.

OVERVIEW

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that a toolapparatus (and method therefor) that is capable of functioning invarious modes is advantageous for various reasons. For instance, a toolapparatus that is capable of functioning in various modes can be used inplace of multiple tools, thereby potentially saving the expense ofbuying multiple tools and also providing for potential space savings, inthat one need only store and/or transport the multifunctional toolapparatus rather than the multiple tools for which the multifunctionaltool apparatus is capable of functioning. To better illustrate theapparatus and method disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of examplesis provided here:

Example 1 can include subject matter that can include an apparatuscomprising a base including an arm selectively movable with respect tothe base, the arm being selectively rotatable about a first arm axis. Abase plate is engaged with the arm. A tool is configured to bedetachably coupled to the base plate, the tool being movable with thebase plate when coupled to the base plate. The apparatus includes afirst mode with the tool coupled to the base plate and the arm beingselectively rotatable about the first arm axis, a second mode with thetool coupled to the base plate and the arm being constrained fromrotating about the first arm axis, the arm being substantiallystationary with respect to the base, and a third mode with the tooldetached from the base plate.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the base plate is pivotably engaged with the arm, the baseplate being pivotable with respect to the arm between a first positionand a second position.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 is optionally configuredsuch that the first mode includes the base plate in the first positionand the second mode includes the base plate in the second position.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is optionally configuredsuch that the first position of the base plate is rotated substantiallyninety degrees from the second position of the base plate.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4 isoptionally configured such that the base plate includes a clampconfigured to couple the tool to the base plate.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-5 isoptionally configured such that the tool includes a power tool.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 is optionally configuredsuch that the tool includes a circular saw.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7 isoptionally configured such that the first mode includes a miter sawmode.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-8 isoptionally configured such that the second mode includes a table sawmode.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-9 isoptionally configured such that the third mode includes a circular sawmode.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10 isoptionally configured such that the base includes a recess configured toallow a portion of a blade of the tool to be recessed below a topsurface of the base.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-11 isoptionally configured such that the base plate includes an engagementfeature, the tool including a complementary engagement featureconfigured to interact with the engagement feature of the base plate toinhibit rotation of the tool with respect to the base plate.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-12 optionallycomprises a constant-on switch operable with the tool coupled to thebase plate and inoperable with the tool detached from the base plate.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-13 optionallycomprises a blade guard lock configured to inhibit a blade guard of thetool from covering a blade of the tool with the tool coupled to the baseplate.

Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with any one ofExamples 1-14 to include subject matter that can include an apparatuscomprising a base including an arm selectively movable with respect tothe base, the arm being selectively rotatable about a first arm axis. Abase plate is pivotably engaged with the arm. The base plate ispivotable with respect to the arm between a first position and a secondposition. A circular saw is configured to be detachably coupled to thebase plate, the circular saw being movable with the base plate whencoupled to the base plate. The apparatus includes a miter saw mode withthe circular saw coupled to the base plate in the first position and thearm being selectively rotatable about the first arm axis; a table sawmode with the circular saw coupled to the base plate in the secondposition and the arm being constrained from rotating about the first armaxis, the arm being substantially stationary with respect to the base;and a circular saw mode with the circular saw detached from the baseplate.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 is optionally configuredsuch that the base includes a recess configured to allow a portion of ablade of the circular saw to be recessed below a top surface of thebase.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 15-16optionally comprises a constant-on switch operable with the circular sawcoupled to the base plate and inoperable with the circular saw detachedfrom the base plate.

Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with any one ofExamples 1-17 to include subject matter that can include a method ofmaking a multifunctional saw apparatus. The method comprises movablyattaching an arm to a base, the arm being selectively rotatable about afirst arm axis. A base plate is pivotably engaging with the arm, thebase plate being pivotable with respect to the arm between a firstposition and a second position. A circular saw is detachably coupled tothe base plate, the circular saw being movable with the base plate whencoupled to the base plate. The multifunctional saw apparatus includes amiter saw mode with the circular saw coupled to the base plate in thefirst position and the arm being selectively rotatable about the firstarm axis; a table saw mode with the circular saw coupled to the baseplate in the second position and the arm being constrained from rotatingabout the first arm axis, the arm being substantially stationary withrespect to the base; and a circular saw mode with the circular sawdetached from the base plate.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 optionally comprisesforming a recess in the base to allow a portion of a blade of thecircular saw to be recessed below a top surface of the base.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 18-19optionally comprises attaching a constant-on switch to the circular saw,the constant-on switch being operable with the circular saw coupled tothe base plate and inoperable with the circular saw detached from thebase plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of a tool apparatus in accordance withat least one embodiment of the invention, the tool apparatus being in afirst mode.

FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of a tool apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, the toolapparatus being in a first mode.

FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool apparatus beingin a first mode.

FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of a tool apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, the toolapparatus being in a first mode.

FIG. 5A is a rear view of a tool apparatus in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of a tool apparatus in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the invention, a tool being pivoted with respect to abase of the tool apparatus.

FIG. 6A is a right side view of a tool apparatus in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the invention, a tool and a swivel of the toolapparatus being in a raised position with respect to a base of the toolapparatus.

FIG. 6B is a right side view of a tool apparatus in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the invention, a tool and a swivel of the toolapparatus being in a lowered position with respect to a base of the toolapparatus.

FIG. 7 is a left side perspective view of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool apparatus beingin a second mode.

FIG. 8 is a back side perspective view of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool apparatus beingin a second mode.

FIG. 9 is a back side perspective view of a base of a tool apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a back side perspective view of a tool apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, the toolapparatus being in a second mode.

FIG. 11 is a back left side perspective view of a tool apparatus inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, the toolapparatus including a tool coupled with a base plate.

FIG. 12 is a back left side perspective view of a base plate of a toolapparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a back left side perspective view of a base plate of a toolapparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention,the base plate being in a first position.

FIG. 14 is a back left side perspective view of a base plate of a toolapparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention,the base plate being in a second position.

FIG. 15A is a top view of a tool apparatus in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the invention, a tool being coupled to a base plate,the base plate being in a first position.

FIG. 15B is a top view of a tool apparatus in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the invention, a tool being coupled to a base plate,the base plate being in a second position.

FIG. 16A is a left side view of a tool of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool being coupledwith a base plate of the tool apparatus.

FIG. 16B is a left side view of a tool of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool coupled with abase plate of the tool apparatus.

FIG. 16C is a left side view of a tool of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool being removedfrom a base plate of the tool apparatus.

FIG. 17A is a left side view of a tool of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool being coupledwith a base plate of the tool apparatus and a guard of the tool being ina raised position.

FIG. 17B is a left side view of a tool of a tool apparatus in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the invention, the tool being coupledwith a base plate of the tool apparatus and a guard of the tool being ina lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present patent application relates to tool apparatuses and methodsfor such tool apparatuses. In various examples, the tool apparatusincludes more than one mode of use to allow for the tool apparatus to beused in different situations or to accomplish different tasks using thetool apparatus. It is believed that, in this way, the tool apparatus caneffectively take the place of two or more separate tools. In someexamples, the tool apparatus is to be used with a power tool. Forinstance, in various examples, the tool apparatus can be used with acircular saw, a drill, a reciprocating saw, a grinder, a screw gun, asander, a router, a jig saw, or the like. While the description hereindescribes various examples of such apparatuses and methods in thecontext of saw devices, it should be understood that the present subjectmatter is not so limited and is applicable to other types of tools inaddition to saw devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example tool apparatus 100 is shown. In variousexamples, the tool apparatus 100 includes a tool 200 detachably coupledto a base 110. The base 110, in some examples, can include a table orbed 120 configured to provide a suitable surface on which to perform anoperation on a workpiece with the tool 200. That is, the table 120 canprovide, in various examples, a surface that is at least one ofrelatively rigid, substantially planar, sufficiently sized, orsufficiently shaped to support a workpiece while performing an operationon the workpiece with the tool 200.

In some examples, the table 120 can be coupled to a stand 112. The table120 can be attached to the stand 112 (for instance, using fasteners,interlocking structures, or the like) or can rest on the stand 112. Insome examples, the stand 112 is selectively collapsible so as to take upless space than when in an open or expanded configuration, as when it isin use to support the table 120. For instance, the stand 112 can becollapsible for ease in moving or storing the stand 112. In someexamples, the stand 112 includes collapsible legs 112A that areconfigured to fold against a top 112B of the stand 112. In someexamples, the stand 112 includes one or more rollers 112C to facilitatethe placement and/or movement of a workpiece (such as, for instance, apiece of lumber) with respect to the tool 200. In some examples, the oneor more rollers 112C can be substantially aligned with a top surface ofthe table 120 to minimize pitching, bending, tilting, or other movementsof the workpiece during placement and/or movement of the workpiece. Insome examples, the one or more rollers 112C can be adjustable withrespect to the stand 112 or the table 120. For instance, at least one ofa distance of the one or more rollers 112C from the table 120 can beadjusted or a height of the one or more rollers 112C with respect to thetable 120 can be adjusted. For instance, a distance of the one or morerollers 112C from the table 120 can be adjusted to provide a wider base,for instance, to improve supporting of a workpiece within the toolapparatus 100.

In some examples, the table 120 can be placed on a something other thanthe stand 112, such as, for instance, the ground, a table, sawhorses, aworkbench, or any other object or surface capable of supporting the toolapparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the base 110, in some examples, includes an arm122 selectively movable with respect to the base 110. In some examples,the arm 122 is moveable in at least one direction with respect to thebase 110. For instance, the arm 122, in some examples, is selectivelyrotatable about a first arm axis X (FIG. 4) to allow rotation of the arm122 along arrow A (FIG. 4). In further examples, the arm 122 can beselectively configurable to rotate about the first arm axis X orconstrained from rotating about the first arm axis X (for instance, bytoggling a lock pin or other such structure) to enable the arm 122 tolock in a position for some purposes (transportation, storage, or one ormore operational modes of the tool apparatus 100, for example) or moveat least about the first arm axis X for some purposes (one or moreoperational modes of the tool apparatus 100, maintenance, or cleaning,for example).

In some examples, a base plate 130 is engaged with the arm 122. The baseplate 130, in some examples, is configured to detachably receive thetool 200, with the tool 200 being configured to be detachably coupled tothe base plate 130, as will be described in more detail herein. In someexamples, with the tool 200 coupled to the base plate 130, the tool 200is able to move with the arm 122, for instance along the arrow A (FIG.4), for instance, to perform operations with the tool 200 on a workpieceor other object. In some examples, the base plate 130 is pivotablyengaged with the arm 122. For instance, as seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B,the base plate 130 is pivotable with respect to the arm 122 between afirst position 130A (FIG. 15A) and a second position 130B (FIG. 15B). Insome examples, the base plate 130 is pivotable about a pin 127 engagingthe arm 122 with the base plate 130. In some examples, the secondposition 130B is rotated substantially ninety degrees from the firstposition 130A. In some examples, when viewed from above, as shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the second position 130B of the base plate 130 isrotated counterclockwise substantially ninety degrees from the firstposition 130A. In other examples, however, the second position can berotated clockwise from the first position, when viewed from above. Insome examples, the base plate can include more than two positions. Forinstance, the base plate 130 can include a third position disposedsubstantially ninety degrees in a clockwise direction, when viewed fromabove, from the first position. In some examples, the first and secondpositions can be less than or more than ninety degrees apart. Indifferent examples, various configurations of the base plate rotatingwith respect to the arm are contemplated, depending upon the type oftool to be used with the tool apparatus and the types of operations tobe performed using the tool.

In some examples, the tool apparatus 200 includes various operationalmodes, which can include one or more of the following modes. In someexamples, the tool apparatus 100 includes a first mode with the tool 200coupled to the base plate 130 and the arm 122 being selectivelyrotatable about the first arm axis X (see, for example, FIGS. 1-4). Insome examples, the tool apparatus 100 includes a second mode with thetool 200 coupled to the base plate 130 and the arm 122 being constrainedfrom rotating about the first arm axis X (see, for example, FIGS. 7 and8). That is, in the second mode, the arm 122, in some examples, issubstantially stationary with respect to the base 110. In some examples,the tool apparatus 100 includes a third mode with the tool 200 detachedfrom the base plate 130, wherein the tool 200 can be used separate fromthe base 110 (see, for example, FIG. 16C).

In some examples, the first mode includes the base plate 130 in thefirst position 130A (see, for example, FIG. 15A), and the second modeincludes the base plate 130 in the second position 130B (see, forexample, FIG. 15B). In some examples, the first position 103A of thebase plate 130 is rotated substantially ninety degrees from the secondposition 130B of the base plate 130. In other examples, as describedherein, the first and second positions 130A, 130B can be more or lessthan ninety degrees apart. In some examples, the second position 130B isrotated counterclockwise, when viewed from above, from the firstposition 130A. In other examples, the second position 130B is rotatedclockwise, when viewed from above, from the first position 130A. Instill other examples, the second position 130B is rotatedcounterclockwise, when viewed from above, from the first position 130A,and the base plate 130 includes a third position rotated clockwise, whenviewed from above, from the first position 130A. In various examples,the orientations and/or number of positions of the base plate 130 dependlargely on the tool 200 being used with the tool apparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, in some examples, the base plate 130includes a clamp 140 configured to couple the tool 200 to the base plate130. For instance, the third mode includes removal of the tool 200 anduse of the tool 200 detached from the base plate 130. Various ways ofdetachably coupling the tool 200 with the base plate 130 arecontemplated herein. In the example shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the clamp140 allows for ease in selectively coupling the tool 200 to anduncoupling the tool 200 from the base plate 130. That is, in someexamples, the clamp 140 includes a tongue 142 which cooperates with aportion of the tool 200 when the tool 200 is pressed against the baseplate 130 (see FIG. 16A), the tongue 142 actuating the clamp 140 toengage the tool 200 and couple the tool 200 to the base plate 130 (seeFIG. 16B). To disengage the clamp 140 and remove the tool 200 from thebase plate 130, in some examples, pressing downward on a tab 142extending from the clamp 140 causes the clamp 140 to rotate away fromthe tool 200, allowing the tool 200 to be lifted off of the base plate130 (see FIG. 16C).

It is contemplated that the present subject matter can be used withvarious types of tools. In some examples, the tool apparatus can includean unpowered hand tool, such as a hand drill, a chisel, a planer, or aclamp or vice, for instance. In other examples, the tool apparatus caninclude a power tool, such as, a circular saw, a drill, a reciprocatingsaw, a grinder, a screw gun, a sander, a router, or a jig saw, forinstance. For the purposes of illustration, the following description isdirected toward the tool apparatus 100 including a circular saw 200 asthe tool 200. However, this is not intended to be limiting, as othertools can be used with the tool apparatus, including, but not limitedto, the example tools listed herein.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, in some examples, the circular saw 200includes a housing 201 substantially surrounding interior componentsincluding a motor, a drive system, and control circuitry. The circularsaw 200, in some examples, includes a handle 204 configured for a userto hold, manipulate, and/or operate the circular saw 200. In someexamples, the handle 204 is integrally formed with the housing 201. Inother examples, the handle 204 is separately formed from but attached tothe housing 201. At least partially exposed from the housing 201 is asaw blade 202 that is configured to selectively rotate with respect tothe housing 201. The saw blade 202, in some examples, is operativelycoupled to the motor, for instance via the drive system, to rotate withoperation of the motor. In this way, the saw blade 202 can be rotatedduring operation of the circular saw 200, for instance to cut aworkpiece. The workpiece can include any object that is to be cut,including, but not limited to, a piece of wood, metal, compositematerial, polymer, plastic, or fiberglass, to name a few.

The circular saw 200 includes a saw shoe 210, in some examples, that isconfigured to provide a substantially flat surface or base along whichthe circular saw 200 can be slid during operation in the third mode orat other times with the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate130. For instance, the saw shoe 210 can be slid along the workpiecewhile cutting the workpiece to allow the user to apply force on thecircular saw 200 toward the workpiece to assist in maintaining the sawblade 202 in contact with the workpiece and to improve control of thecircular saw 200 during operation. The saw shoe 210, in other examples,provides a surface or portion which can be engaged with the base plate130, for instance, during operation in the first and second modes.

In some examples, the saw shoe 210 can be adjusted relative to the sawblade 202. For instance, in some examples, the height of the saw shoe210 can be adjusted relative to the saw blade 202 to increase ordecrease a distance that the saw blade 202 extends from the saw shoe210, thereby increasing or decreasing a depth that the saw blade 202 cancut into the workpiece. In some examples, referring specifically toFIGS. 5A and 5B, an angle D of the saw blade 202 can be adjusted withrespect to the saw shoe 210. For instance, in some examples, the sawblade 202 can be adjusted between a position extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the saw shoe 210 (FIG. 5A) to a position in whichthe angle D is between about zero and about ninety degrees (FIG. 5B). Insome examples, it is contemplated that the angle D between the saw blade202 and the saw shoe 210 is adjustable between about ninety degrees andabout 180 degrees. In further examples, it is contemplated that theangle D between the saw blade 202 and the saw shoe 210 is adjustablebetween about zero degrees and about 180 degrees. By adjusting the angleD of the saw blade 202, the user can alter the angle of the cut made bythe saw blade 202 through the workpiece.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, the circular saw 200 can include variouscontrols in some examples. For instance, the circular saw 200 caninclude a control to cause rotation of the saw blade 202. In someexamples, the control to cause rotation of the saw blade 202 includes atrigger 205 or other switch, wherein pushing of the trigger 205 causesrotation of the saw blade 202 and releasing of the trigger 205 ceasesrotation of the saw blade 202. In some examples, the trigger 205 isdisposed proximate the handle 204 to facilitate the user being able tohold the circular saw 200 with the handle 204 while, at the same time,selectively actuate the saw blade 202 using the trigger 205. In otherexamples, other types of on/off controls disposed in other locations ofthe circular saw 200 can be used, either in addition to or in lieu ofthe trigger 205. For instance, in some examples, a constant-on switch206 (FIG. 8) can be used in addition to the trigger 205. The constant-onswitch 206 can include a toggle switch in which placement of theconstant-on switch 206 in a first toggle position causes the saw blade202 to rotate (without the user having to push the trigger 205, forinstance) and placement of the constant-on switch 206 in a second toggleposition causes the saw blade 202 to cease rotating. The constant-onswitch 206 can include a shield 207 in some examples, for instance, toinhibit accidental actuation of the constant-on switch 206. In someexamples, the shield 207 is hinged to the housing 201 to allow the userto selectively open the shield 207 in order to actuate the constant-onswitch 206. The shield 207, in some examples, can protect against theconstant-on switch 206 being accidently bumped (for instance, by anobject that the circular saw 200 passes by, the ground, an object in abag or other container that the circular saw 200 is in, a child, or thelike). The constant-on switch 206 will be described in more detailherein. In other examples, the circular saw 200 includes additionalcontrols, such as, for instance, a speed control for the saw blade 202,a light control (for instance, to turn on or off one or more lightsdisposed on the circular saw 200 for use in low-light areas), or thelike. In some examples, the trigger 205 can also be used as the speedcontrol, such that the speed of the saw blade 202 can be varied by anamount by which the trigger 205 is pushed.

In some examples, the circular saw 200 includes a cord 208 configured toelectrically connect the circular saw 200 to a power source, such as,for instance, a wall outlet, a power strip, an extension cord, or agenerator. In some examples, the base 110 of the tool apparatus 100includes an attached power strip to allow for a nearby outlet in whichto plug the cord 208 of the circular saw 200, for instance, when thecircular saw 200 is being used with the base 110 of the tool apparatus100. In some examples, the circular saw 200 includes one or more cordholders 125, for instance, to organize the cord 208 and keep the cord208 out of the way or away from the saw blade 202. In some examples, theone or more cord holders 125 include one or more spring loaded clips 125configured to release or accept the cord 208 with squeezing of thespring loaded clip 125. In some examples, at least one cord holder 125is mounted on the arm 122. In other examples, the circular saw 200 canbe cordless and run on battery power.

In some examples, with reference to FIG. 17B, the circular saw 200includes a blade guard 203 configured to selectively cover the saw blade202 to protect against inadvertent cutting of an object. In someexamples, the blade guard 203 is configured to retract as the bladeguard 203 is contacted by (or contacts) the workpiece. In some examples,the blade guard 203 can be manually retracted by the user (for instance,with the operation of a lever). In some examples, the blade guard 203 isspring-biased in a position covering some or all of the saw blade 202.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6B, in some examples, the tool apparatus 100 inthe first mode includes the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate130, the first mode including a miter saw mode 102. In some examples,the circular saw 200 is coupled to the base plate 130 in the firstposition 130A (see FIG. 15A) with the tool apparatus 100 in the mitersaw mode 102. In some examples, the circular saw 200 can be coupled tothe base plate 130 by placing a front of the saw shoe 210 within a lip136 of the base plate 130 and rotating the circular saw 200 such that aback of the saw shoe 210 presses against the tongue 142 of the clamp 140to actuate the clamp 140 (see FIG. 16A). Pressing against the tongue142, in some examples, causes the clamp 140 to rotate toward and overthe back of the saw shoe 210 to engage the circular saw 200 and couplethe circular saw 200 to the base plate 130 (see FIG. 16B). With thecircular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130, the saw blade 202 atleast partially extends through a slot 131 in the base plate 130. Theslot 131 of the base plate 130, in at least some examples, is sized andshaped to allow the saw blade 202 to rotate without interference fromthe slot 131, such as, for instance, the saw blade 202 rubbing against aside of the slot 131.

In the miter saw mode 102, in some examples, the arm 122 of the toolapparatus 100 is rotatable about the first arm axis X, such that thecircular saw 200, coupled to the base plate 130, is able to be movedwith respect to the table 120 along arrow A. For instance, the circularsaw 200 and base plate 130 can be rotated along the arrow A toward thetable 120 to make a cut in a workpiece placed on the table 120. In someexamples, the arm 122 can be rotated about the first arm axis X to makea chop cut in a workpiece with the circular saw 200. In this way, thetool apparatus 100, when in the miter saw mode 102, performs in a mannersimilar to a miter saw. That is, in some examples, the workpiece can beplaced on the table 120 generally beneath the saw blade 202, extendingthrough the slot 131 of the base plate 130, and aligned with respect towhere the user wants to cut the workpiece. The arm 122 and the circularsaw 200 (with the saw blade 202 rotating) can then be rotated about thefirst arm axis X toward the workpiece and the table 120 to make the cutthrough the workpiece.

In some examples, the table 120 includes a slot 123 within or throughthe table 120 to allow at least a portion of the saw blade 202 to passinto or through, for instance, to allow the saw blade 202 to passcompletely through the workpiece and, thereby, cut through the entirewidth of the workpiece, should it be desired by the user to do so. Insome examples, the slot 123 includes a hole through the table 120. Insome examples, the slot 123 includes a groove or channel in the top ofthe table 120 that does not pass entirely through the table 120. In someexamples, the table 120 includes a fence 121 to assist in positioningthe workpiece. For instance, the fence 121 can include a substantiallystraight wall or other projection extending from a top surface of thetable 120 configured such that a workpiece can be placed against it tofacilitate placement of the workpiece at a particular angle with respectto the saw blade 202. In this way, the user can place the workpieceagainst the fence 121 of the tool apparatus 100 in the miter saw mode102 and, depending on the orientation of the circular saw 200 and thearm 122, make a cut in the workpiece at a particular angle.

For instance, in some examples, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, thecircular saw 200 and the arm 122 are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the fence 121, such that the saw blade 202, in thisconfiguration, can cut the workpiece at an angle substantiallyperpendicular to a side or other portion of the workpiece that is placedagainst the fence 121. In other examples, it is contemplated that anangle of the arm 122 and the circular saw 200 can be adjusted withrespect to the fence 121 in order to allow for cuts in the workpiece atvarious angles. In some examples, the fence 121 remains stationary withrespect to the table 120. For instance, in some examples, with referenceto FIG. 4, the circular saw 200, the arm 122, and the table 120 havebeen rotated such that an angle of the saw blade 202 is no longersubstantially perpendicular to the fence 121. In some examples, theangle of the saw blade 202 can be adjusted between zero degrees andninety degrees with respect to the fence 121. In some examples, theangle of the saw blade 202 can be adjusted between zero degrees and 180degrees with respect to the fence 121. By rotating the saw blade 202 toan angle other than ninety degrees with respect to the fence 121, theuser may perform angled cutting (such as, for instance, miter cuts) ofthe workpiece.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, in some examples, the arm 122 can berotated about a second arm axis Y in a direction of arrow B to adjust anangle of the saw blade 202 with respect to the table 120. For instance,in some examples, the saw blade 202, in an example, can be substantiallyperpendicular to a top of the table 120 to make straight cuts throughthe workpiece. In other examples, the arm 122 can be rotated along thearrow B clockwise or counterclockwise about the second arm axis Y suchthat the saw blade 202 is at an angle other than ninety degrees withrespect to the top of the table 120 in order to make angled cuts in theworkpiece. In some examples, the angle of the saw blade 202 with respectto the top of the table 120 and the angle of the saw blade 202 withrespect to the fence 121 can both be adjusted, for instance, to performcompound miter cuts in the workpiece.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some examples, an angle D betweenthe saw blade 202 and the saw shoe 210 of the circular saw 200 iscapable of being selectively adjusted. For instance, the saw blade 202of the circular saw 200 is shown in FIG. 5A substantially perpendicularto the top of the table 120, in which the angle D is adjusted tosubstantially ninety degrees. In FIG. 5B, the saw blade 202 is adjustedsuch that the angle D is less than ninety degrees and the saw blade 202is angled with respect to the top of the table 120. In this way, thecircular saw 200 can be adjusted to perform angled cuts to theworkpiece. In some examples, the angle of the saw blade 202 with respectto the top of the table 120 is solely adjusted by adjusting the angle D.In other examples, the angle of the saw blade 202 with respect to thetop of the table 120 is adjusted by adjusting the angle D in conjunctionwith rotation of the arm 122 about the second arm axis Y (FIG. 4). Inother examples, the angle of the saw blade 202 with respect to the topof the table 120 is solely adjusted by rotating of the arm 122 about thesecond arm axis Y (FIG. 4). Although FIG. 5B shows the saw blade 202rotated in a clockwise direction from the position of the saw blade 202in FIG. 5A, in some examples, it is contemplated that the saw blade 202can be adjusted in a counterclockwise direction from the position of thesaw blade 202 in FIG. 5A, either in addition to or instead of beingadjustable in the clockwise direction. In some examples, the angle D ofthe saw blade 202 with respect to the saw shoe 210 and the angle of thesaw blade 202 with respect to the fence 121 can both be adjusted, forinstance, to perform compound miter cuts in the workpiece.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-6B, in some examples, with adjustment of theangle D from the position of the saw blade 202 in FIG. 5A (the angle Dis substantially ninety degrees) to the position of the saw blade 202 inFIG. 5B (the angle D is less than ninety degrees), a tip 202A of the sawblade 202 lifts with respect to the top of the table 120. As such,depending upon the adjustment of angle D and, in turn, the amount thesaw blade 202 lifts with respect to the top of the table 120, a distancecan develop between the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 and the top of thetable 120. In such a situation, if the tool apparatus 100 were to beused to cut the workpiece, the cut would not go completely through theworkpiece. In some instances, such a partial cut of the workpiece couldbe desirable. However, in other instances, it is desirable to stillobtain a full cut through the workpiece despite the angle D beingadjusted so as to lift the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 from the top ofthe table 120. In some examples in which a full cut through theworkpiece is desired, the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 can beselectively lowered to lessen or eliminate the distance between the tip202A of the saw blade 202 and the top of the table 120. For instance, insome examples, a distance between the base plate 130 and the top of thetable 120 can be adjusted to account for the distance varying betweenthe tip 202A of the saw blade 202 and the top of the table 120 withdifferent settings of the angle D. For instance, in some examples, aswivel 128 of the tool apparatus 100 is operatively coupled to the baseplate 130 and is translationally adjustable, such that adjustment of theswivel 128 adjusts the distance between the base plate 130 and the topof the table 120 (or a height of the base plate 130), and, in turn, thedistance between the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 and the top of thetable 120. In some examples, the swivel 128 includes a pin 129selectively engageable in various positions to adjust the height of thebase plate 130. In some examples, the pin 129 includes a spring-actuatedpin 129 biased in an engaged position. Although shown and describedusing the pin 129 to adjust the height of the base plate 130, in otherexamples, other adjustment devices can be used, such as, but not limitedto, a set screw, a springless pin, a cam/follower arrangement, or thelike. In some examples, the height of the base plate 130 can be adjustedwith respect to the top of the table 120 using a vertical translationstage including a rack and pinion drive.

In some examples, the swivel 128 can include a first raised position(see FIGS. 5A and 6A) in which the height of the base plate 130 issufficient to allow the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 to be at or belowthe top of the table 120 with the angle D adjusted to be substantiallyninety degrees. In this position, the pin 129 (or an end 129A of the pin129) can be engaged with a portion 122A of the arm 122 (on a topsurface, in a channel, or in a hole of the portion 122A, for instance)(see FIG. 6A). In some examples, the swivel 128 can include a secondlowered position (see FIGS. 5B and 6B) in which the height of the baseplate 130 is sufficient to allow the tip 202A of the saw blade 202 to beat or below the top of the table 120 with the angle D adjusted to beless than ninety degrees. In this position, the pin 129 (or the end 129Aof the pin 129) can be engaged with the portion 122A of the arm 122 (ina hole 122B of the portion 122A, for instance) (see FIG. 6B). In thisway, the user can account for height differences of the tip 202A of thesaw blade 202 with respect to the top of the table 120 so as to allowfor a full cut (if desired) through the workpiece regardless of theadjustment of the angle D. In some examples, more than two adjustmentpositions are contemplated, for instance by including additional holesor pin engagement positions on the portion 122A of the arm 122 orelsewhere on the arm 122 to allow for adjustment of the base plate 130to more than two heights with respect to the top of the table 120. Inother examples, it is contemplated that the swivel 128 includes notranslational adjustment, such that the height of the base plate 130with respect to the top of the table 120 is effectively fixed.

In some examples, the table 120 includes the slot 123 having a widthsufficient to accommodate adjustments to the angle D of the saw blade202. That is, because adjustment of the angle D laterally displaces thetip 202A of the saw blade 202, the slot 123, in some examples, issufficiently wide to accommodate passing of the saw blade 202 within theslot 123 without interference (for instance, rubbing) of the saw blade202 with the slot 123. In some examples, the slot 123 includes an insertengageable with respect to the table 120. That is, the table 120includes a receptacle or other structure configured to receive a slotassembly 123. In this way, the slot 123 can be removed and/or replacedwith another slot assembly, for instance, if the slot assembly 123becomes worn or damaged or, for instance, if another size orconfiguration of slot is desirable to be used with the tool apparatus100.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in some examples, the arm 122 can includetranslational motion along the arrow C (for instance, via one or moreextendable rods 122C coupling the arm 122 with the base 110) withrespect to the table 120. In some examples, the one or more rods 122Callow the arm 122 and the circular saw 200 to move horizontally (alongthe arrow C) with respect to the table 120 (for instance, in a mannersimilar to a radial arm saw). In some examples, translation of thecircular saw 200 along the arrow C allows the circular saw 200 to movein the direction of the cut. In some examples, the one or more rods 122Care mounted on roller bearings to allow the one or more rods 122C toextend or retract with respect to the table 120. In this way, the arm122 and, in turn, the saw blade 202 of the circular saw 200 coupled tothe base plate 130 can be translated with respect to the table 120 toallow for cutting of widths larger that a diameter of the saw blade 202.In some examples, by pulling on the handle 204 of the circular saw 200,a cross cut may be made on a workpiece. For instance, a workpiece with awidth larger than the diameter of the saw blade 202 would only be ableto be partially cut with the tool apparatus 100 in miter saw mode 102and the arm 122 only including rotational motion about the first armaxis X along the arrow A. With such a configuration, the workpiece wouldthen have to be flipped and aligned with the previous cut to finish theremainder of the cut or the workpiece could not be cut using the toolapparatus 100 in the miter saw mode 102. However, by providingtranslational motion of the arm 122 along the arrow C, the saw blade 202can be rotated along the arrow A to begin the cut and then translatedalong the arrow C through the width of the workpiece to finish the cut.Such a configuration allows for increased flexibility in widths ofworkpieces that can effectively be cut with the tool apparatus 100 inthe miter saw mode 102. In some examples, even if the tool apparatus 100in the miter saw mode 102 proves difficult or is unable to cut aparticular width of workpiece, the multifunctional tool apparatus 100includes additional modes of operation in which such cuts may be moreeasily performed, giving the tool apparatus 100 increased flexibilitythan, for instance, a saw capable of performing only as a miter saw.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, in some examples, the tool apparatus 100 in thesecond mode includes the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130,the second mode including a table saw mode 104. In some examples, thecircular saw 200 is coupled to the base plate 130 in the second position130B (see FIG. 15B) with the tool apparatus 100 in the table saw mode104. In some examples, the circular saw 200 can be coupled to the baseplate 130 by placing the front of the saw shoe 210 within the lip 136 ofthe base plate 130 and rotating the circular saw 200 such that the backof the saw shoe 210 presses against the tongue 142 of the clamp 140 toactuate the clamp 140 (see FIG. 16A). Pressing against the tongue 142,in some examples, causes the clamp 140 to rotate toward and over theback of the saw shoe 210 to engage the circular saw 200 and couple thecircular saw 200 to the base plate 130 (see FIG. 16B). With the circularsaw 200 coupled to the base plate 130, the saw blade 202 at leastpartially extends through the slot 131 in the base plate 130. The slot131 of the base plate 130, in at least some examples, is sized andshaped to allow the saw blade 202 to rotate without interference fromthe slot 131, such as, for instance, the saw blade 202 rubbing againstthe side of the slot 131.

In the table saw mode 104, in some examples, the arm 122 of the toolapparatus 100 is constrained from rotating about the first arm axis X,such that the arm 122 is substantially stationary with respect to thebase 110. In some examples, the arm 122 is substantially fixed withrespect to the table 120, such that the tip 202A of the blade 202 islocated proximate the top of the table 120. The arm 122, in variousexamples, is constrained from rotating in different ways, such as, forinstance, one or more of engaging a pin between the arm 122 and anotherportion the base 110 to inhibit rotation of the arm 122, tightening aset screw, or the like. In some examples, the table 120 includes arecess 124 to allow a portion (for instance, the tip 202A) of the blade202 to be disposed below the top of the table 120. In this way, the tip202A of the saw blade 202 can be disposed below a bottom side of aworkpiece placed on the table 120 to allow for a complete cut throughthe workpiece. In some examples, the recess 124 allows the saw blade 202to drop below the top of the table 120 to cut fully through theworkpiece without the saw blade 202 cutting into the table 120. If onlya partial cut through the workpiece is desired, the saw blade 202 may beraised with respect to the top of the table 120. In some examples, aheight of the saw blade 202 with respect to the table 120 can beadjusted by adjusting the circular saw 200 itself, by adjusting theposition of the swivel 128 in the manner described herein, or acombination of adjusting the circular saw 200 and the swivel 128.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 13-15B, the base plate 130 can be seen in thefirst position 130A (FIGS. 13 and 15A), for instance, for the miter sawmode 102, and in the second position 130B (FIGS. 14 and 15B), forinstance, for the table saw mode 104. FIGS. 13 and 14 show the baseplate 130 with the circular saw 200 removed from the base plate 130 inorder to better see the swivel 128 in each of the first and secondpositions 130A, 130B of the base plate 130. In some examples, in orderto configure the base plate 130 from the first position 130A to thesecond position 130B to configure the tool apparatus 100 in the tablesaw mode 104, the pin 129 can be disengaged from the portion 122A of thearm 122 to allow the swivel 128 and, in turn, the base plate 130, torotate to the second position 130B. Once in the second position 130B, insome examples, the pin 129 can engage with the portion 122A of the arm122 (for instance, within a hole, a channel, or the like) to retain theswivel 128 and the base plate 130 in the second position 130B. In someexamples, the base plate 130 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction,when viewed from the top, to rotate the base plate 130 from the firstposition 130A to the second position 130B (see FIGS. 15A and 15B). Inother examples, it is contemplated that the base plate 130 is rotated ina clockwise direction, when viewed from the top, to rotate the baseplate 130 from the first position to the second position. In furtherexamples, it is contemplated that the base plate 130 is rotated ineither a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, whenviewed from the top, to rotate the base plate 130 from the firstposition 130A to the second position or a third position, respectively.Such an arrangement, in some examples, would allow the user to feed theworkpiece into the tool apparatus 100 in the table saw mode 104 fromeither a left side or a right side, for instance, to better accommodateleft-handed and right-handed users.

In some examples, the base plate 130 in the second position 130B can beoriented, such that the saw blade 202 of the circular saw 200, whenengaged with the base plate 130, is oriented generally parallel to thefence 121. Such an arrangement allows for a workpiece to be placedagainst the fence 121 and fed toward the saw blade 202, such that thesaw blade 202 cuts through the workpiece at a particular width (distancebetween the saw blade 202 and the fence 121) for a length correspondingto the amount of the workpiece passed through the tool apparatus 100 andin contact with the saw blade 202. In some examples, the entire lengthof the workpiece can be cut in this manner, for instance, to reduce awidth of the entire workpiece from the previous width to a desiredwidth. In other examples, a portion of the length of the workpiece canbe cut in this manner, for instance, to cut a channel in the workpieceor to reduce a width or only a portion of the workpiece.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-10, the table 120, in some examples, caninclude a ruler 126, a scale, or other markings to facilitate setting acutting width of the tool apparatus 100 in table saw mode 104. In someexamples, the ruler 126 extends in a substantially perpendiculardirection from the fence 121. In some examples, the ruler 126 includes azero marking at the fence 121 and denotes increasing widths from thefence 121 to an end of the ruler 126. In this way, the user can use theruler 126 to align the saw blade 202 at the desired width for cuttingthe workpiece. In some examples, the workpiece is pushed along the fence121 in order to perform a rip cut of the workpiece with the toolapparatus 100 in the table saw mode 104. In some examples, the toolapparatus 100 includes a spring-loaded roller mounted to the fence 121to help guide the workpiece with respect to the tool apparatus 100 orhelp hold the workpiece on the table 120. In some examples, the width ofthe cut can be adjusted, for instance, by moving the arm 122 along thearrow C (FIG. 7) by extending or retracting the one or more extendablerods 122C. The width of the cut can be locked using a set screw or otherlocking device associated with the one or more extendable rods 122C toinhibit the one or more extendable rods 122C from undesired extension orretraction and, thereby, altering the width of the cut.

In some examples, the tool apparatus 100 includes an alignment device132 to facilitate aligning of the saw blade 202 with the intended lineof cutting on the workpiece. In some examples, the alignment device 132includes a laser 132. In other examples, other alignment devices arecontemplated, such as, for instance a line (for instance, in the baseplate 130 or the circular saw 200), a notch (for instance, in the baseplate 130 or the circular saw 200), a light capable (other than a laser)of producing a discernible beam of light or otherwise producing a targetline or area, or the like. In some examples, the laser 132 is disposedon the tool apparatus 100 in a location to accurately portray a line ofcutting of the saw blade 202. In some examples, the laser 132 isconfigured to produce a laser line 133 along at least a portion of thetable 120, such that the user can tell substantially where the saw blade202 will cut with respect to the workpiece placed on the table 120. Forinstance, in the table saw mode 104, the laser 132, in some examples, isconfigured to produce a laser line 133 at least along the ruler 126 toinform the user of the cut width for the given configuration of the toolapparatus 100. With that in mind, the user can then adjust the cut width(for instance, by moving the arm 122 by retracting or extending the oneor more extendable rods 122C along the arrow C) to achieve a desired cutwidth for the particular workpiece. In some examples, the laser 132 isdisposed on the base plate 130, such that the laser line 133 portrayssubstantially the cut line of the saw blade 202 with the circular saw200 coupled to the base plate 130. In other examples, it is noted thatthe laser can be disposed on other portions of the tool apparatus 100,provided that the laser line produced by the laser is capable ofsubstantially portraying the cut line. For instance, the laser, in otherexamples, can be disposed on the circular saw or the arm, to name a few.It is further noted that, although the laser 132 and laser line 133 aredescribed in the context of the table saw mode 104, it is contemplatedthat the laser 132 can be used in other modes, such as, but not limitedto, the miter saw mode 102, for instance, to portray a cut line acrossthe workpiece at ninety degrees to the fence 121 for cross cuts or atangles other than ninety degrees to the fence 121 for miter cuts. Infurther examples, one or more additional rulers can be disposed on thetable 120 (or any other portion of the tool apparatus 100) to use withthe laser line 133 in order to portray to the user the angle of the cutwith respect to the fence 121, for instance.

In some examples, it is desirable to keep the tool apparatus 100 running(that is, maintain the saw blade 202 rotating) when in the table sawmode 104. For instance, when ripping a workpiece, it is often beneficialfor the user to use both hands to feed the workpiece through the toolapparatus 100 to allow cutting of the workpiece with the saw blade 202.Because of this, it would be difficult for the user to also use a handto push and hold the trigger 205 to cause rotation of the saw blade 202during cutting of the workpiece. In some examples, the constant-onswitch 206 can be used to maintain the circular saw 200 running with thesaw blade 202 to allow the user to feed the workpiece through the toolapparatus 100 with both hands, for instance, to rip the workpiece. Asdescribed herein, the constant-on switch 206 can include a shield 207 insome examples, for instance, to inhibit accidental actuation of theconstant-on switch 206. In some examples, the shield 207 is hinged tothe housing 201 to allow the user to selectively open the shield 207 inorder to actuate the constant-on switch 206. The shield 207, in someexamples, can protect against the constant-on switch 206 beingaccidently bumped (for instance, by an object that the circular saw 200passes by, the ground, an object in a bag or other container that thecircular saw 200 is in, a child, or the like).

In some examples, the constant-on switch 206 is configured to beoperable with the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 andinoperable with the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate 130.Such a configuration can be accomplished in a number of ways. Forinstance, in some examples, the circular saw 200 and the base plate 130can include mating electrical contacts which effectively close a circuitof the constant-on switch 206 to allow the constant-on switch 206 to beoperable with the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130. Insome examples, the electrical contacts of the circular saw 200 can belocated in various locations on the saw shoe 210 in order to contact theelectrical contacts of the base plate 130. For instance, the electricalcontacts can be located at the front of the saw shoe 210 and the lip 136of the base plate 130, at the back of the saw shoe 210 and the clamp140, on the bottom of the saw shoe 210 and the top of the base plate130, or a combination thereof. In other examples, the base plate 130 orthe circular saw 200 can include a protrusion which corresponds to areceptacle of the other of the base plate 130 or the circular saw 200,wherein the protrusion fits within the receptacle with the circular saw200 engaged with the base plate 130 to depress a button within thereceptacle or otherwise close the circuit of the constant-on switch 206to allow the constant-on switch 206 to be operable. It is noted that,although the constant-on switch 206 is described in the context of thetable saw mode 104, it is contemplated that the constant-on switch 206can be used in other modes, such as, but not limited to, the miter sawmode 102, for instance, to allow constant operation of the circular saw200 while performing cross cuts and miter cuts.

In some examples, the constant-on switch 206 can be configured tooperate only in the table saw mode 104. For instance, the constant-onswitch 206 can be made operable only when the base plate 130 is in thesecond position 130B. In some examples, the constant-on switch 206 isinterlocked such that the constant-on switch 206 is operable with thecircular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 and the base plate 130rotated in the second position 130B. In some examples, a protrusionmounted on the arm 122 can be used to activate an interlock switchlocated inside the housing 201 of the circular saw 200. For instance, asmall hole in the housing 201 can be configured to accept the protrusionto actuate the interlock switch. In some examples, the interlock switchcan include a mechanical detent or a switch in series with theconstant-on switch 206. In other examples, the interlock switch can beelectrically connected to the trigger 205 in order to change the trigger205 from a momentary switch (when the interlock switch is not engaged)to an on-off switch (when the interlock switch is engaged). In otherexamples, the interlock switch can be located on the base plate 130 andacts to change the trigger 205 from a momentary switch when the circularsaw 200 is disengaged from the base plate 130 to an on-off switch whenthe circular saw 200 is coupled to the base plate 130.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in some examples, the base plate 130includes an engagement feature 134, and the circular saw 200 includes acomplementary engagement feature 212 configured to interact with theengagement feature 134 of the base plate 130 to inhibit rotation of thecircular saw 200 with respect to the base plate 130 with the circularsaw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 (for instance, during operation ofthe tool apparatus 100 in the miter saw mode 102 or the table saw mode104). During operation, the circular saw 200 can experience forces whichcould tend to rotate, shift, or otherwise move the circular saw 200 withrespect to the base plate 130. To guard against this, in some examples,the coupling of the engagement feature 134 of the base plate 130 withthe complementary engagement feature 212 of the circular saw 200substantially limits rotation, shifting, or other motion of the circularsaw 200 with respect to the base plate 130. In some examples, theengagement feature 134 of the base plate 130 and the engagement feature212 of the circular saw 200 are closely toleranced to allow for ease inmating the engagement features 134, 212 together with coupling of thecircular saw 200 with the base plate 130 while at the same timesubstantially limiting motion of the engagement features 134, 212 withrespect to each other (and, in turn substantially limiting motion of thecircular saw 200 with respect to the base plate 130).

In some examples, the engagement feature 134 of the base plate 130includes a protrusion 134 and the engagement feature 212 of the circularsaw 200 includes a hole 212 (for instance, in the saw shoe 210)corresponding to the size, shape, and location of the protrusion of thebase plate 130. In some examples, the hole 212 extends through the sawshoe 210. In other examples, the hole does not extend fully through thesaw shoe. In some examples, the protrusion 134 and the hole 212 are eachcircular in shape. In other examples, the protrusion and the hole areboth square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, diamond-shaped, triangle-shaped,oval-shaped, star-shaped, or the like. In some examples, the engagementfeature of the base plate includes a hole and the engagement feature ofthe circular saw includes a protrusion. In some examples, the engagementfeature of the base plate includes one or more walls configured tointeract or abut with one or more sides of the saw shoe of the circularsaw.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, 17A, and 17B, the tool apparatus 100 includesa blade guard lock 138 configured to inhibit a blade guard 203 of thecircular saw 200 from covering the saw blade 202 of the circular saw 200with the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 (for instance,with the tool apparatus 100 in the miter saw mode 102 or in the tablesaw mode 104). In some examples, the slot 131 of the base plate 130 issized to allow the blade guard 203 to move through the slit 131 so as toallow the blade guard 203 to cover some or all of the saw blade 202 withthe circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130. However, in someoperations, the user may desire to maintain the blade guard 203 in aretracted position to decrease or eliminate interference from the bladeguard 203 on the operation or operations being performed. In someexamples, the blade guard lock 138 is rotatable with respect to the baseplate 130 about a pin 138A. The blade guard lock 138 can be rotated to alocked position 138B which partially covers the slot 131 to obstruct theblade guard 203 from covering the saw blade 202 or rotated to anunlocked position 138C to allow the blade guard 203 to pass through theslot 131 and cover some or all of the saw blade 202. In some examples,the blade guard lock is slidable with respect to the base plate toselectively cover part of the slot 131 to obstruct the blade guard 203from covering the saw blade 202.

Referring to FIG. 16C, in some examples, the tool apparatus 100 in thethird mode includes the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate130, the third mode including a circular saw mode 106. In the circularsaw mode 106, in some examples, the circular saw 200 can be freelyguided by the user to cut a workpiece. In some examples, the user holdsthe circular saw 200 by the handle 204 and guides the circular saw 200during cutting of the workpiece without attachment to the base plate 130or any other portion of the base 110. In some examples, the circular sawmode 106 of the tool apparatus 100 can enable the user to cut workpiecesin a manner which may not be able to be accomplished or would be moredifficult to accomplish with the tool apparatus 100 in the miter sawmode 102 or the table saw mode 104. For instance, if the workpiece istoo large to fit within the tool apparatus in the miter saw mode 102 orthe table saw mode 104, such a workpiece might not be able to be cut asdesired with the tool apparatus 100 in the miter saw mode 102 or thetable saw mode 104, whereas such a workpiece may be able to be cut bythe tool apparatus 100 in circular saw mode 106 due to the free guidingof the circular saw 200 by the user. As a further example of this, ifthe desired cut width of a workpiece exceeds the capabilities of thetool apparatus 100 in the table saw mode 104 (for instance, the desiredcut width is too wide for the configuration of the arm 122 translated toa maximum cut width with respect to the fence 121), the circular saw 200can be removed from the base plate 130 and the circular saw 200 can beused to freely cut the workpiece to the desired width. In otherexamples, a complex cut of a workpiece may prove difficult with the toolapparatus 100 in the miter saw mode 102 or the table saw mode 104 butcan be more easily accomplished with the tool apparatus 100 in thecircular saw mode 106 to allow the user to freely guide the circular saw200. Such complex cuts can include a notch, a curved cut, or the like.

In some examples, the base plate 130 or the arm 122 includes anelectrical connector configured to engage an electrical connector of thecircular saw 200 with the circular saw 200 engaged with the base plate130. In this way, power to the circular saw 200 can be routed throughthe connectors. In examples in which the circular saw is batteryoperated, the circular saw, when it is placed on the base plate, can becharged and the circular saw can receive power for operation from anexternal power source, such as, for instance, an electrical outlet.

In some examples, the tool apparatus can operate in either a corded modeor a cordless mode. When the tool apparatus is operated in the cordedmode, the cord is plugged into an external power supply, such as anelectrical outlet (which could be located on the base plate or it couldbe a standard electrical outlet) and the other end of the cord isplugged into a transformer. In some examples, the transformer can chargea battery and, at the same time, provide power to the circular saw inorder to make it run. When the cord is unplugged from the toolapparatus, in some examples, the circular saw can operate using batterypower. In this way, the tool apparatus can be used as a cordless saw (toallow the circular saw to be used when no nearby external electricalsupply is required), for instance, when no external electrical powersupply is available. The tool apparatus can also be used as a corded saw(the use of the saw is not limited by battery life), for instance, whenan electrical supply is available.

In some examples, the tool apparatus includes the transformer located onthe outlet side of the cord. In this way, the power exiting thetransformer can be transmitted along the cord to the cordless circularsaw and battery. In some examples, the transformer can be configuredwith a socket to accept an extra battery, for instance, for chargingpurposes. In this way, one battery can be charging in the transformerwhile another is in the circular saw. In some examples, the cordlesscircular saw can be lighter in weight because the circular saw does notinclude the transformer within the housing of the circular saw.

In some examples, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-17B and referenceto the description herein, the present subject matter includes a methodof making a multifunctional saw apparatus 100. In some examples, an arm122 is movably attached to a base 110, the arm 122 being selectivelyrotatable about a first arm axis X. In some examples, a base plate 130is pivotably engaged with the arm 122, the base plate 130 beingpivotable with respect to the arm 122 between a first position 130A anda second position 130B. In some examples, a circular saw 200 isdetachably coupled to the base plate 130, the circular saw 200 beingmovable with the base plate 130 when coupled to the base plate 130. Insome examples, the multifunctional saw apparatus 100 includes a mitersaw mode 102 with the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 inthe first position 130A and the arm 122 being selectively rotatableabout the first arm axis X. In some examples, the multifunctional sawapparatus 100 includes a table saw mode 104 with the circular saw 200coupled to the base plate 130 in the second position 130B and the arm122 being constrained from rotating about the first arm axis X, the arm122 being substantially stationary with respect to the base 110. In someexamples, the multifunctional saw apparatus 100 includes a circular sawmode 106 with the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate 130.

In some examples, the method includes forming a recess 124 in the base110 to allow a portion of a blade 202 of the circular saw 200 to berecessed below a top surface of the base 110. In some examples, therecess 124 is formed in a top of a table 120. In some examples, theblade 202 of the circular saw 200 is recessed below the top surface ofthe base 110 in the table saw mode 104.

In some examples, a constant-on switch 206 is attached to the circularsaw 200. In further examples, the constant-on switch 206 is operablewith the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 and inoperablewith the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate 130.

In some examples, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-17B and referenceto the description herein, the present subject matter includes a methodof using the multifunctional saw apparatus 100. In some examples, themultifunctional saw apparatus 100 can be used in the miter saw mode 102with the circular saw 200 coupled to the base plate 130 in the firstposition 130A and the arm 122 being selectively rotatable about thefirst arm axis X. In some examples, the multifunctional saw apparatus100 can be used the table saw mode 104 with the circular saw 200 coupledto the base plate 130 in the second position 130B and the arm 122 beingconstrained from rotating about the first arm axis X, the arm 122 beingsubstantially stationary with respect to the base 110. In some examples,the multifunctional saw apparatus 100 can be used the circular saw mode106 with the circular saw 200 detached from the base plate 130.

The present inventor has recognized various advantages of the subjectmatter described herein. For instance, the example tool apparatuses 100described herein can be multifunctional in that the example toolapparatuses 100 can include more than one mode of use to allow for theexample tool apparatuses to be used in different situations or toaccomplish different tasks using the same tool apparatus. In this way,each of the example tool apparatuses 100 can effectively take the placeof two or more separate tools. Because of this, a user need only carry,transport, or otherwise move and set up the tool apparatus 100 at a jobsite, rather than carrying two or more separate tools. In this way, theuser can save time and energy in getting ready to perform tasks at a jobsite. Moreover, the user can save money by only buying the example toolapparatus 100, rather than two or more separate tools. While variousadvantages of the example tool apparatuses 100 are listed herein, thislist is not considered to be complete, as further advantages may becomeapparent from the description and figures presented herein.

Although the subject matter of the present patent application has beendescribed with reference to various embodiments, workers skilled in theart will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention recited in the below claims.

The above Detailed Description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the presentlocator apparatus and methods can be practiced. These embodiments arealso referred to herein as “examples.”

The above Detailed Description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreelements thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. Also, various features or elementscan be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not beinterpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature isessential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in lessthan all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scopeof the invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or morethan one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one”or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to anonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but notA,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, theterms “about” and “approximately” or similar are used to refer to anamount that is nearly, almost, or in the vicinity of being equal to astated amount.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are open-ended, that is, an apparatus or method thatincludes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in aclaim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover,in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc.are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements on their objects.

The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims.

The claimed invention is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a base includingan arm selectively movable with respect to the base, the arm beingselectively rotatable about a first arm axis at a first end of the arm,towards and away from a substantially planar top surface of the base; abase plate engaged with the arm at a second end of the arm, the baseplate adapted to detachably couple to a saw having a saw blade, the sawbeing movable with the base plate when coupled to the base plate,wherein the apparatus is operable in different modes comprising: a firstmode with the saw coupled to the base plate and the arm beingselectively rotatable about the first arm axis; a second mode with thesaw coupled to the base plate and the arm being constrained fromrotating about the first arm axis, the arm being substantiallystationary with respect to the base wherein the base plate is pivotableabout a vertical axis such that a face of the saw blade is positionableto operate as a table saw; and a third mode with the saw being moveablehorizontally along the base to operate as a radial saw.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the base plate is pivotably engaged with the arm,the base plate being pivotable with respect to the arm between a firstposition and a second position.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst mode includes the base plate in the first position and the secondmode includes the base plate in the second position.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the first position of the base plate is rotatedsubstantially ninety degrees from the second position of the base plate.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a clampconfigured to couple the saw to the base plate.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the saw comprises a circular saw.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the saw comprises a cordless saw.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base includes a recess configured to allow aportion of the saw blade to be recessed below a top surface of the base.9. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a swivel coupledbetween the arm and the base plate, wherein the swivel is operable toadjust a height of the base plate from the base.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the swivel includes a pin to selectively engageable invarious positions to adjust the height of the base plate.
 11. Anapparatus comprising: a base including an arm selectively movable withrespect to the base, the arm being selectively rotatable about a firstarm axis at a first end of the arm, towards and away from asubstantially planar top surface of the base; a base plate pivotablyengaged with the arm at a second end of the arm, the base plate beingpivotable with respect to the arm between a first position and a secondposition, the base plate adapted to detachably couple to a circular sawhaving a saw blade, the circular saw being movable with the base platewhen coupled to the base plate, wherein the apparatus is operable indifferent modes comprising: a miter saw mode with the circular sawcoupled to the base plate in the first position and the arm beingselectively rotatable about the first arm axis; and a table saw modewith the circular saw coupled to the base plate in the second positionand the arm being constrained from rotating about the first arm axis,the arm being substantially stationary with respect to the base whereinthe base plate is pivotable about a vertical axis such that a face ofthe saw blade is positionable to operate as a table saw.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the base includes a recess configured toallow a portion of a blade of the circular saw to be recessed below atop surface of the base.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising aconstant-on switch operable with the circular saw coupled to the baseplate and inoperable with the circular saw detached from the base plate.14. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising a swivel coupledbetween the arm and the base plate, wherein the swivel is operable toadjust a height of the base plate from the base.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein the swivel includes a pin to selectively engageable invarious positions to adjust the height of the base plate.